Mon Nov 18 12:58:36 UTC 2024: ## Former Delhi Minister Kailash Gehlot Defects to BJP Ahead of Assembly Polls

**New Delhi** – In a significant blow to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), former Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gehlot joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday. The move comes just days before the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections and is expected to impact the AAP’s campaign.

Gehlot, who resigned from AAP on Sunday, cited the party’s “constant fight against the Centre” and a lack of focus on fulfilling promises to the people as reasons for his departure. He also pointed to an “awkward” situation surrounding the renovation of the Chief Minister’s house and alleged that “political ambitions” had overshadowed the party’s commitment to its constituents.

While AAP sources suggest Gehlot had been unhappy with the party leadership for some time, particularly after being overlooked for key positions and the promotion of Atishi, Gehlot himself held several crucial portfolios during his time with the AAP, including Transport, Women and Child Development, and Home. He even presented Delhi’s budget in 2023. He is expected to contest the upcoming elections from his current constituency, Najafgarh, where he previously won by a significant margin.

Gehlot’s defection is seen as a setback for the AAP, potentially influencing Jaat voters and hindering the party’s rollout of key welfare schemes. His joining of the BJP was welcomed by senior party leaders, including Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva. The BJP views Gehlot’s experience and influence in Najafgarh as a considerable asset to their election campaign.

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